1SEO is a full-service digital marketing agency based in Pennsylvania with over a decade of experience in the industry. The agency’s team consists of digital marketing experts, including SEO specialists, PPC strategists, social media marketers, web designers, developers, and content creators.
The agency offers a range of digital marketing services to help businesses of all sizes and industries achieve their goals. The agency’s services include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, web design & development, and content marketing.
1SEO caters to customers across a broad spectrum of business life cycles, but also has some deep industry expertise in several industry verticals, most notably home services, legal services, and niche healthcare services. Some of its clients include American Children’s Society, ErosWholesale, and Discovery Toys.
Parting From an Industry He Poured His Heart Into to Pursue Other Interests
Lance Bachmann founded 1SEO in 2009, and it has since grown to become one of the top digital marketing agencies in the Philadelphia area, with over 100 employees and a wide range of clients across various industries. After over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, Lance decided that it was time for him to move on and pursue other interests. Lucky for us, he chose Barney to lead him through the process.
Lance was concerned about finding the right buyer who would not only pay a fair price, but continue to grow the business and take care of his employees. Lance had a personal attachment to the company, and he wanted to make sure that the buyer would respect and preserve its culture and values. Under Lance’s leadership, 1SEO received numerous awards and recognition for its work, and he wanted his vision for the company and his legacy to be left in good hands.

Data-Driven Decision-Making
One of the agency’s key strengths is its focus on data-driven decision-making. 1SEO uses advanced analytic tools to track and measure the success of its campaigns, allowing clients to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly.
1SEO is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with its clients. The agency takes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized strategies to help them achieve their goals.

Finding A Buyer Aligned with their Vision
Barney worked closely with Lance to understand his goals and concerns. We conducted a thorough analysis of the company’s financials, operations, and market position to identify its strengths and weaknesses. We then developed a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase the company’s value proposition to potential buyers.
We reached out to our extensive network and presented Lance’s business as the unique and attractive investment opportunity that it was. They received several offers from interested parties, but we carefully screened each of them to ensure that they were a good fit.
After extensive negotiations, Barney helped Lance select the best offer and finalize the sale. Above all, Lance was looking for a deal that would meet his needs: compensation for 1SEO’s tremendous value and growth potential, and a partner poised to optimize its digital marketing capabilities to be the best-in-class provider in each industry vertical.

Landing on a Buyer Who Recognized 1SEO’s Value and Growth Potential
In the end, Miami-based private equity firm, Skyharbor Capital Partners, was the right partner for 1SEO. Skyharbor presented a unique opportunity to lead 1SEO into the future. The firm specializes in professionalizing and scaling recurring-service businesses and helping them to work through growing pains and achieve long term success.
Lance and Skyharbor share a strong alignment of values and a mutual obsession for customer centricity and long-term relationships; they have both seen how happy and engaged employees generate successful customer relationships which, in turn, yield positive economic results for business owners. Lance envisions building 1SEO into the nation’s top subscription-based SEO and digital marketing company and truly improving peoples’ lives.

“This was a perfect fit from the onset. Lance is a thought leader in the digital marketing industry, and Skyharbor is an unconventional private equity fund. They are owners and operators of several small businesses and seek to invest in companies that improve people’s lives – such as 1SEO!”
Mat Cybul, Director at Barney

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